The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and around the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Rogue Valley Weather
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office Serve Marijuana Search Warrant – Another Illegal Grow Bust Near Wolf Creek
On September 13, 2022, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 6000 block of Lower Grave Creek Road in Wolf Creek regarding an illegal marijuana grow site. The search warrant was executed with the assistance of Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) and Josephine County Code Enforcement.
During the execution of the warrant more than 9,000 growing marijuana plants and approximately 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana was seized and destroyed. Multiple firearms and other marijuana items were also seized.
The property also had multiple electrical, water and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the civil forfeiture of the property.
David Norman Miller was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana and Unlawful Appropriation of Water.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.
Rabies Discovered In Josephine County
Josephine County Authorities are urging pet owners to take additional precautions after rabies was discovered in two wild animals.
A bat and a fox, were found outside Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center in Merlin and tested positive for rabies on Sept. 8, according to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University.
“People can take two precautions to protect themselves and their pets from bats and rabies,” said Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian with the Oregon Health Authority. “Never handle bats and make sure your cats and dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccines.”
Animals typically acquire rabies by eating or coming in contact with a rabid bat. Very few bats in Oregon have rabies and rabies in other wildlife is even rarer.
JCPH recommends residents vaccinated their dogs and cats against rabies; watch wildlife from a distance; do not feed wild animals; keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife; feed pets indoors; and screen chimneys and seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds and barns that might provide access to bats and other wildlife.
Residents who find a sick bat or other sick wildlife on their property are asked to take children and pets indoors and to not handle the animal without protection. Use a disposable container with a lid to scoop the animal into the container and dispose of it in the trash. If a bat has had contact with a human or an animal, call JCPH at (541) 474-5325.
Local Search and Rescue Volunteers Complete Rigorous Test
MOUNT ASHLAND, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) recently completed a testing event for Type 1 SAR volunteers. This test involved 39 miles of hiking in two days, starting on Tolman Creek Road, summiting Mt. Ashland, setting up camp, and finishing the next day at Lithia Park in Ashland. On August 21, Seven SAR volunteers completed the test, raising the total number of JCSO SAR Type 1 Searchers to 21. Besides the SAR mountain rescue teams, JCSO SAR has the only Type 1 Searchers in Oregon. These dedicated volunteers have been called to respond to major incidents throughout the state and Northern California.
Type 1 Searcher is the highest level of qualification for SAR personnel and they are able to respond to any major incident. They are qualified to travel over and through any terrain and be on their own for up to three days without resupply. These devoted volunteers are trained in wilderness medicine and are called to respond to high-altitude areas such as Mt. McLaughlin and Mt. Shasta. They are also part of the JCSO SAR Snow Response Group used during winter rescues.
Jackson County is very fortunate to have such a robust Type 1 searching capability, and our community is safer because of the dedication and hard work of these volunteers. To become a JCSO SAR volunteer call (541) 864-8830 or go to https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff/Services/Volunteer-Programs and fill out the application.
Fire Danger on the Decline
Expect cool moist weather to continue through the weekend as the region stays under an upper-level trough. Sunday
appears to be the coolest day across the region with high temperatures expected be as much as 20 degrees below
normal in Southcentral Oregon.
Periodic light showers and isolated wet thunderstorms will continue around the region for the next few days. General winds are expected to be light again today but will increase tomorrow as another trough slides down the coast, merging with the trough currently over the region. Wet thunderstorms are expected again this afternoon and evening over Eastern Oregon. The storms could generate some gusty outflow winds.
Saturday a cut-off low will form at the base of the upper-level trough and move down along the California coast. Most weather models move the trough east by early next week, with high pressure building behind it. If this materializes, a warming and drying trend could start by mid-week.
Fire danger is on the decline with the cool moist weather and no critical fire weather patterns are on the horizon. As such, the potential for new significant fires will be at or below normal risk into next week.
Rum Creek Fire
92,596 acres 0% containment. Updated Road Closure Map for the #RumCreekFire, Thursday, September 15:
As evacuation levels are downgraded and residents return home, there are some tips on how to ensure the return home is a safe one for everyone.
Firefighters are still working throughout the area, so please be careful and drive with caution as fire personnel and apparatus are sharing the roads with you.
If your property was impacted by the fire keep these things in mind as you return home:
– Inspect your home prior to turning on electric or gas/propane service. Ensure there are no leaks before turning the electricity back on.
– Check your attic, crawl spaces, under decks, and inside gutters for smoldering embers. Wind can carry embers well outside the burn area where they collect and can hold heat for several days.
– Trees impacted by fire may be weakened or have their roots damaged, they can fall at any time with little to no wind- Stumps and roots can burn deep or underground for long periods of time, avoid the area around them as hollow areas can collapse and may hold residual heat
– Stay informed on expected weather as burned areas can experience flooding and mudslides due to the loss of vegetation. Have a plan to leave if the fire conditions change or the weather becomes threatening.
– Smoke will be visible from the interior of the fire even after it is contained. Pay attention to your surroundings and call 911 if you believe the smoke is outside the fire perimeter.
As the #RumCreekFire continues to move towards full containment, please remember that many of the conditions that enabled this fire to grow quickly are still present. Be cautious with fire and anything that may cause a spark to help prevent another fire from starting.
Cedar Creek Fire
As of 5:30 AM, there are currently 2152 firefighting personnel working to contain the #CedarCreekFire. The fire is now 92,596 acres and 0% contained. Resources assigned include: 92 Engines 36 Handcrews 24 Dozers 30 Masticators 19 Helicopters 3 Scoopers 2 Air Attack Platforms Photo of the Day
– Thursday, September 15, 2022: Up early and staying up late is the name of the game for lead operations personnel making the plans for continuing fire suppression efforts on the Cedar Creek Fire.
Branch and Division leads gather around the map table to discuss ongoing tactics and plans for the next day. This is part of the constant effort to improve performance, learn from mistakes, and ultimately fight fire aggressively having provided for safety first. Check out continuing coverage of the fire here on facebook as well as our youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/CedarCreekFire#cedarcreekfire2022#oregonwildfires
Double Creek Fire: 157,088 acres | 23% contained |759 personnel assigned
The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property
remain the primary objectives of this incident. Firefighters working the north end of the fire were busy
yesterday responding to a new start.
They also worked on connecting the fire line between Horse Creek and Lightning Creek, down to Dunbar Road, to protect private structures in the area. Crews continued working on the north end of the fire that spotted over the Imnaha River on September 10. They continue to strengthen fireline and perform mop up operations.
Fire managers are anticipating that the spot fire will be in patrol status soon. Today, crews in the south will continue working on the Morgan Ridge trail system and work on creating a north-south fireline on Saddle Road. This will help build additional protection for Imnaha River Woods if the fire were to move further south.
We’re tracking data to understand the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. This dashboard is updated weekly.Data are provisional and subject to change.For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit http://ow.ly/oTmg50KJGtR.
Oregon State Police alerting the public of an armed and dangerous suspect last seen in SE Oregon
On September 14, 2022 at approximately 10:19 AM, the Oregon State Police were advised Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit of an armed and dangerous suspect that had committed multiple violent felonies from Salt Lake City, Utah to Elko, Nevada. The vehicle entered Oregon on Hwy 140 and was last seen northbound from Plush, OR.
The vehicle and suspect have not been located. The vehicle is described as burnt orange/silver 2001 Dodge Dakota 4-door. The plate is Nevada-436 NTR. The suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately 6 feet tall with a thin build, and beard. His clothing has been described as black jacket, brown pants with a baseball cap. The pants were also described as tan camouflage.
The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, having committed prior home invasions and car-jackings. He should not be approached and if seen call 911 or contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) from your mobile phone.
Oregon households who receive SNAP and lost food due to wildfire evacuations or public safety power shutoffs may be eligible for replacement benefits
(Salem) – Oregonians who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the recent public safety power shutoffs or wildfire evacuations are encouraged to request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Households who receive SNAP who lost or disposed of food that was unsafe to eat due to these events can request that replacement benefits be issued for the cost of the food lost. They may request to replace food benefits equal to one month of the normal benefit amount for the household.
Replacement benefits must be requested within 10 calendar days of the food loss by:
- Calling (800) 699-9075
- Email: kshare@dhsoha.state.or.us“>SSP.StatewideWorkshare@dhsoha.state.or.us
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the households existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
SAIF declares $75 million dividend
Wednesday the SAIF board of directors declared a $75 million dividend for its policyholders.
SAIF determines whether a policyholder dividend is appropriate based on capital levels, claim trends, and the overall economic environment.
“Like all Oregon businesses, SAIF is cautious about current economic trends,” said Chip Terhune, president and CEO of SAIF. “However, after careful consideration, we felt declaring this dividend was the right thing to do to serve our policyholders.”
The dividend will be based on premium for policies whose term ended in 2021 and will be distributed in October. This is the 13th year in a row SAIF has been able to offer a dividend, and the 25th dividend since 1990.
As a not-for-profit with a public mission to make workers’ compensation coverage available, accessible, and affordable, SAIF is one of the only insurance carriers in Oregon that has regularly returned dividends to policyholders. For SAIF, it’s an important part of our value to customers.
SAIF is able to pay dividends because of its solid financial position and continued success in managing workplace safety and health and controlling losses.
50,960 policyholders will receive the dividend.
About SAIF – SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.7% in August
Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in August from 3.5% in July. This was the first increase in Oregon’s unemployment rate since April 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was the same as in Oregon, at 3.7% in August and 3.5% in July. Over the past six months, Oregon’s unemployment rate has remained low by historic standards, averaging 3.6% during that period.
In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment grew by 9,300 in August, following an upwardly revised gain of 13,000 jobs in July. Monthly gains in August were largest in government (+3,800 jobs), leisure and hospitality (+1,900), construction (+1,400), professional and business services (+1,000), and manufacturing (+900). Other services (-800 jobs) and financial activities (-700) were the only major industries that shed more than 500 jobs.
With the rapid gains in total nonfarm payroll jobs in July and August, Oregon reached a record employment total of 1,974,700 jobs in August, which was 2,500 jobs above the pre-pandemic peak reached in February 2020. The private sector has also regained all of the jobs it lost during the pandemic recession.
Over the past 12 months, total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 74,800 jobs, or 3.9%. The following industries are powering the recovery, as each added more than 6,000 jobs while expanding at a faster rate than total nonfarm: leisure and hospitality (+18,500 jobs, or 9.9%), construction (+9,600 jobs, or 8.7%), manufacturing (+9,900 jobs, or 5.3%), and professional and business services (+11,700 jobs, or 4.7%).
Local government strayed from its usual seasonal pattern as local schools experienced fewer summer job reductions than normal, adding jobs in both July and August. This trend followed the first six months of the year, when local government employment averaged nearly 12,000 fewer jobs than in 2019, prior to the recession. But with fewer short-term job reductions in July and August of this year, local government education employed a total of 108,600 in August, which was 2,500 above its level in August 2019.
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has
a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are: Sign
language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille,
large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users
call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.
Portland General Electric (PGE) contractors will knock down the 656-foot-tall stack and boiler at the Boardman coal plant today – Oregon’s last coal fired power plant, which ceased operations in 2020.
Careful placement of explosives, handled by engineers and explosive specialists, will allow the stack and boiler to complete a controlled fall within a specified location. Explosives placed at the base of the stack and around the supporting structure of the boiler will be triggered within seconds of each other, causing the stack and boiler to come down quickly; the demolition is expected to take less than a minute.
The demolition will take place at 10 a.m. this morning. The demolition will be livestreamed, available for viewing on PGE’s Facebook and YouTube channel.
From 1980 to 2020, the Boardman plant provided safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregon. Boardman’s closure has been factored into PGE’s plans since 2010, and the utility has implemented resource plans to ensure an ongoing reliable supply of power for customers. These plans focus on renewables and other non-emitting, clean energy resources, including Wheatridge – a first-of-its kind wind, solar and battery storage plant less than 30 miles away.
This is just a small compilation of missing women and their pictures in the area. There are of course women missing all over Oregon and men and children missing too. We don’t mean to dismiss that, however, there is an inordinate amount of women who go missing each week and there could possibly be a connection with an anomaly or two here and there. Sadly most of them never get any attention. Family and friends must keep any information going and lead investigations so that they aren’t just forgotten.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/
